A very large part of a city’s culture is reflected in its music scene which helps to define its overall identity. Over centuries and decades, music has always been an integral part of many people’s lives and the way it shapes a particular community. When it comes to seeing a favorite artist or a band, music lovers go to large lengths like waiting for hours in the queue, refresh the ticket page repeatedly, and do whatever it takes. Who doesn’t love music, isn’t it? Music is universal and hence is celebrated grandly in certain places. So, here we did a little digging, to sum up, the best places in the US for all the music lovers out there.
It was hard on our part too! But here we reveal the best-of-the-best. Find the top 10 us cities for music lovers:
1. AUSTIN, TEXAS
Most popularly known as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’, Austin, Texas is heaven-on-earth for all the music lovers out there. From the moment a person arrives in the city, they would be surprised to find that even the airport is a regular and frequent home to numerous live music gigs in the shops and the restaurants. This stunning city is home to various bars and restaurants that love to highlight the charm of live music. From the impressive backdrop of the venues that are found in the Warehouse District to the laid-back, and relaxed vibe on Rainey Street, and the nightclub district of Red River, and the rustic beer gardens and the exotic cocktails of the Sixth Street, a persona can jog at the best BBQ and soak in the city’s rich music aesthetic in any of these cool venues.
Moreover, Austin also homes some of the best music festivals in the USA. The Austin City Limits was a live music TV show that is credited to put up the name of Austin on the music map in the 70s, and then moving forward came the famous Austin City Limits Festival, which is the city’s largest music festival next to the South by Southwest Festival.
2. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Two terms that are highly relatable to the city of New Orleans, are jazz and Blues. This pace is the birthplace of Jazz that was created back in the early 20th century. So, music has always been an integral part of this city. Starting from the street musicians to the funeral bands (oh, yes! You heard us right), it is rather impossible to walk past the city without touching anything that holds historical significance. Move forward to Bourbon Street and you can spot some amazing performances by the upcoming artists and enjoy a buzzing nightlife set-up.
Additionally, away from the restaurant and the bar scene, a person can also pay a visit to the New Orleans Jazz Museum where they can check out The Bywater area where the local musicians and the artists casually hang out. This is what defines the beauty of this city. For more hogging, you can visit the decorative street cafes!
3. NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
From random gigs in Central Park to hip-hop in the Bronx, to causal jazz brunches, and also the lights of Old Broadway, you can spot a music scene almost anywhere in New York City. For the hip-hop lovers, they can go get a music tour of Harlem and the Bronx which is where they can see where their favorite artists grew up, or they can walk up the streets and pay a visit to the iconic Apollo Theater where the likes of Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, and The Jackson 5 have all performed.
Moreover, no trip would be complete without participating in a Broadway musical. Bring one of the most happening and exciting areas of Manhattan, a visitor could take in the bright lights of one of New York’s most popular streets before they could finally enjoy the shows like Hamilton, Wicked, Chicago, The Lion King, and others. Also, do visit some epic spots such as the Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, and the Radio City Music Hall.
4. NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
Nashville could be easily referred to as the home to western and country music and of the institution like the Grand Ole Opry. Acts like Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash got their first-ever break from the city’s music scene and the list goes a long way. Well, this city should be a sure-shot visit for a y genuine music lover. It is the home to the famous venues that could still be found in the Broadway district in today’s time. In Nashville, you could just randomly stumble across a cozier singer-songwriter session or just go visit a gig at the Grand Ole Opry, whatever is your thing. This place also holds a great deal of significance in music history. Staring from the Country Music Hall of Fame to Ryman Auditorium, and the Music Row, all are worth paying a visit.
5. MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
Memphis is most popular for being the birthplace of Rock & Roll. The music scene of this place has sharpened musicians like Elvis Presley, Justin Timberlake, and many others. For those who are looking to find some of the best live music venues in America, then this is the place to be, simply head down t Beale Street. Well, this is supposedly the city’s most iconic lane that remains packed with buzzing performances drawing influence from various, musical genres. Also, surely pay a visit to Graceland, which is the former home of the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley, and indulge in a self-guided tour. Moreover, Memphis is also the home to Sun Studios. A tour of the studios is indeed a great way to spend a couple of hours.
6. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Well, it is safe to say that Chicago is an epicenter for Blues and Jazz in America, and hence comes the name Chicago Blues. The very popular Chicago Jazz Fest that is held during the late summers is indeed a huge event that draws in the attention of thousands of visitors every year. The Green Mill venue is the best venue in Chicago to enjoy jazz music. A visitor needs to pay attention as the city conducts numerous impromptu shows here and there. It surely is one gem of a city. Don’t forget to stop into The Hideout which is popularly known as Chicago’s Most Loved Small Venue, which surely is one of a kind type of venue that hosts small concerts. Visit Schubas to indulge in some light yet best acoustics of the gorgeous city.
7. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
What new to say about this luxurious city that hasn’t been saying before. Well, LA is most famous as the town of Hollywood, the city of glamour and glitz, but not many of you know that it is also the city of a thriving and buzzing music scene. You should pay a visit to the Grammy Museum which is a great interactive museum that is dedicated to the winners of many prestigious awards. Or. You can just casually stroll down the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame. Be sure to stop into the Guitar Center.
Make your visit to the very famous Sunset Strip where many rock legends were born in the live music scenes. Some of the famous venues on the strip include Whisky a Go Go, The Roxy, Viper Room, and The Troubadour. All these places have been popular hangout spots for5 the LA music stars.
However, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the Capitol Records during your stay in LA. The prominent round building is the home to the studios, where everyone starting from Paul McCartney and Frank Sinatra, to Green Day, and others have recorded their albums. If that’s not enough then you can just casually stop around and click some Instagram-worthy pictures.
8. SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Seattle is the home to famous musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, and Macklemore. The city gained its momentum and rose to fame during the early 1990s when it was first infiltrated by grunge music and bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana had put this city on the global stage for its major role in launching Alternative and Indie music to the music charts. To this date, this city remains a hot spot for concert-goers and also lovers of live acts. Some of the most popular live music venues that you can spot here are the Showbox, Café Racer, and the Columbia City Theater.
Don’t forget to hop into the Museum of Pop Culture for a trip down memory lane. The exhibits include Pearl Jam, home and away, Nirvana, taking punk to the masses, and an interactive sound lab amongst the others.
9. DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Before you pack your bags to fly to Detroit, make sure you have the appropriate knowledge of the Motown sound because this is the city that gave birth to the sound. The explosion that happened in the auto industry back in the early 1900s in Detroit is the reason why masses have emigrated from the Deep South who also brought along their Mississippi musical influences to the place. Over the years, the place has continued to grow especially in the genres of gospel, soul rhythm, and blues. Make sure to visit the Motown Museum which is also known as Hitsville, USA, for getting a detailed history lesson of this interesting time in the history of music.
The city of Detroit is also much talked about for being the hometown of iconic rap star Eminem. The famous rap battling scenes that are spotted in the scenes from the movie 8 Mile have been inspired by the freestyle battle that takes place in Detroit’s Hip Hop Shop.
10. MINNEAPOLIS
Also known as Prince’s Muse, this city was indeed Prince’s inspiration as he was born here, lived here, and died here. For years, the city has been the pilgrimage site for the Prince fans coming in from everywhere but it’s Paisley Park where the legends come alive. This venue is a predominantly purple mansion located in the suburbs and features a Hollywood-style sound stage, a nightclub, and four other recording studios. There are giant murals of Prince with bursts of splendid light shooting out of his hands that beautifully adorn the ceilings and also the pearl-string outfits that are being pinned to the wall. Moreover, an entire room is finely decked out in swirls of purple UV stars that define how fascinatingly he lived to the very end.
So, now that you have had all the necessary details, where would you like to start your musical adventure from?